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Luo Juan
Endocrinology
About me
Associate Chief Physician, Department of Endocrinology, Hunan People's Hospital, Master's degree. Youth Committee Member of the Hunan Diabetes Professional Committee. Member of the Women's Endocrine Disease Prevention and Treatment Professional Committee of the Hunan Female Physician Association.
Proficient in diseases
Diagnosis and treatment of diabetes, thyroid disease, and adrenal gland diseases.
Voices
Are thyroid cysts dangerous?
Generally speaking, thyroid cysts are benign lesions and are not dangerous. First, let's understand what thyroid cysts are. A thyroid cyst is a fluid-containing cystic formation found in the thyroid gland. Typically, the lump is round, smooth, painless, or may cause slight pain, and can move up and down with swallowing. Most cysts are solitary nodules, and it is less common to find multiple nodules. Additionally, if the cyst is large or if there is bleeding within the cyst, it can cause symptoms of compression such as pain, difficulty swallowing, difficulty breathing, and hoarseness. We know that about 10% of cystic nodules are malignant, hence, it is important to understand the nature of a thyroid cyst. If it is malignant, surgical removal is necessary. Furthermore, if the nodular cyst is large and causes compression symptoms, surgery is also required. However, most are benign lesions, and thyroid function is within the normal range, so no special treatment is needed, just follow-up observation. Therefore, whether thyroid cysts are dangerous depends on the circumstances.
Can people with hyperlipidemia eat sunflower seeds?
People with hyperlipidemia can eat sunflower seeds. We know that sunflower seeds contain some unsaturated fatty acids, which are beneficial for the human body. For example, they can regulate blood lipids, lower harmful cholesterol and triglycerides, and effectively control the concentration of blood lipids. Secondly, they can help clear blood clots, reduce and clear visceral fat from food, especially the harm of visceral fat to the human body, and prevent these fats from depositing on the walls of blood vessels, thereby combating atherosclerosis. Some believe that an appropriate supplement of DHA can properly adjust the body's immunity. However, because unsaturated fatty acids are relatively high in calories, excessive intake can also lead to overweight or obesity, so unsaturated fatty acids in the diet should not be excessive. Thus, people with hyperlipidemia can eat sunflower seeds, but should not consume them excessively.
Does Hashimoto's thyroiditis require treatment?
Treatment depends on the case. Currently, there is no cure for Hashimoto's thyroiditis, and the main goal of treatment is to correct secondary thyroid dysfunction and reduce significantly enlarged thyroids. Generally, for patients with mild diffuse goiter without obvious compression symptoms and no thyroid dysfunction, no special treatment is needed; follow-up observation is sufficient. For patients with significant thyroid enlargement and compression symptoms, treatment with levothyroxine may be used to reduce thyroid swelling. If the patient has hypothyroidism, thyroid hormone replacement therapy can be administered. (Medication should be administered under the guidance of a doctor.)
How long does it take to recover from gestational diabetes after childbirth?
For the vast majority of pregnant women with gestational diabetes, their fasting blood glucose or glucose tolerance test can return to normal within six weeks after delivery. However, the recurrence rate of gestational diabetes during subsequent pregnancies is 50%, and about 25% to 70% of those with gestational diabetes may develop diabetes again within 16 to 25 years after giving birth. For those whose blood sugar levels return to normal after childbirth, it is also advisable to check their blood sugar every three years. For patients with abnormal fasting blood glucose or reduced glucose tolerance after childbirth, an annual check should be conducted to screen for diabetes, and they should receive strict dietary treatment and individualized exercise therapy. Therefore, the recovery time for postpartum gestational diabetes depends on the circumstances.
Can people with hyperuricemia eat wood ear mushrooms?
People with hyperuricemia can eat wood ear mushrooms. As wood ear mushrooms are considered a low-purine food, containing approximately 8.8mg of purines per 100 grams, they can be consumed during hyperuricemia. For hyperuricemia, it is necessary to restrict some high-purine foods, such as animal offal, clams, crabs, oysters, and sardines. Some meats, seafood, peas, and spinach, which also contain a certain amount of purines, can be consumed in moderation. Wood ear mushrooms are a low-purine food and are generally not restricted. Thus, people with hyperuricemia can eat wood ear mushrooms.
What department should I go to for hyperlipidemia?
Patients with hyperlipidemia should visit the endocrinology department, as hyperlipidemia is a manifestation of lipid metabolism disorder and is classified as a metabolic disease. Therefore, it falls under the purview of the endocrinology department. Moreover, hyperlipidemia is typically divided into secondary and primary types. Many cases of secondary hyperlipidemia are associated with endocrine disorders such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, Cushing's syndrome, and polycystic ovary syndrome, which are primary diseases of the endocrine system that can lead to lipid abnormalities. Therefore, patients with hyperlipidemia should seek treatment in endocrinology to identify the underlying causes of the condition.
What fruits to eat for hyperlipidemia?
First, in adjusting the dietary structure for blood lipids, it is generally necessary to increase the intake of high-fiber foods. This is because it can increase the excretion of cholesterol in the intestines, reduce the absorption of cholesterol, and enhance the clearance of low-density lipoprotein, as well as reduce the synthesis of lipoproteins. Therefore, it can lower plasma cholesterol, especially the levels of low-density lipoprotein. Fruits contain abundant plant fibers, so it is advisable to consume a moderate amount of these fresh fruits in the diet. Of course, some cases of hyperlipidemia are related to obesity. Thus, for some high-calorie fruits such as grapes and watermelon, it is advised to limit their consumption. For example, consuming fruits like apples, cherries, and strawberries, which have relatively lower sugar content, might be better. Generally, all fruits can be eaten with hyperlipidemia, but the intake of fruits with high sugar content should be appropriately limited.
Which department should I go to for a thyroid cyst?
Firstly, we recommend that patients with thyroid cysts should consult the endocrinology department first to assess thyroid function, to determine if there is hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, or normal thyroid function. Then, perform a thyroid ultrasound to evaluate the size of the cyst and its relationship with surrounding tissues, etc. Therefore, patients with thyroid cysts should first visit the endocrinology department. If surgical intervention or other further treatments are necessary, then a visit to the breast and thyroid department is needed. However, it is first essential to assess the function and local conditions of the cyst in the endocrinology department before deciding on the next step of treatment.
Obesity is classified as a disease.
Obesity is a clinical syndrome characterized by a body mass index (BMI) exceeding normal levels. Generally, obesity with an unclear cause is called simple obesity, or primary obesity, while obesity with a known cause is called secondary obesity. In China, the standards for BMI are as follows: a normal BMI is below 24 kg/m². Being overweight is defined as having a BMI greater than 24 kg/m², mild obesity is greater than 26 kg/m², moderate obesity is greater than 28 kg/m², and severe obesity is greater than 30 kg/m². Therefore, obesity is a metabolic clinical syndrome.
Does low blood sugar cause confusion?
When hypoglycemia occurs, it is possible to experience confusion. This is because, under normal conditions, the glucose level in our brain tissue is only about 25% of that in our blood. After hypoglycemia occurs, the glucose concentration in our brain tissue will further decrease, leading to a state of sugar and oxygen deprivation in the brain. Severe cases can exhibit a range of neuropsychiatric symptoms such as behavioral changes and confusion, cognitive dysfunction, or even epileptic seizures. Some patients may also experience coma and permanent brain damage, typically seen in those with severe and prolonged hypoglycemia. Similarly, patients who repeatedly experience hypoglycemia often also suffer from brain atrophy. Therefore, confusion can occur during hypoglycemia.